In a powerful show of solidarity, acclaimed film director Aparna Sen and numerous other prominent figures from the Bengali film industry joined thousands of protestors on Sunday in a massive rally demanding justice for a trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata last month.
Bengali actors demand justice for RG Kar doctor
The rally, dubbed "Mahamichhil," saw participants, including well-known actors and right activists, gather at the busy Esplanade area, where they chanted slogans like "Justice" and "Halla Bol," vowing to remain there until early Monday morning. The protestors were determined to continue their demonstration until their demands for justice were addressed.
The Mahamichhil was one of three significant rallies held in the city on the same day. One rally was organized by the alumni of Ramakrishna Mission-run educational institutions, while another saw students and alumni from a well-known convent school marching together, all echoing the call for justice for the deceased doctor.
Aparna Sen, Swastika Mukherjee and others participate in protest
The mega rally, which commenced at College Square, featured Aparna Sen alongside fellow artists such as Swastika Mukherjee, Sudipta Chakraborty, Chaiti Ghosal, Sohini Sarkar, and others. Together, they marched along Central Avenue, demanding a thorough investigation and justice for the postgraduate trainee doctor.
As the rallyists reached the Jawaharlal Nehru Road-S.N. Banerjee Road crossing, they occupied the area and vowed to continue their protest until 4 a.m. on Monday. They called for a representative from the ruling party or the administration to meet them and address their demands for a swift investigation and the arrest of those responsible.
What the actors said
When asked if the protestors would remain until 4 a.m., director Birsa Dasgupta told reporters, "We have sent a mail to the administration. We want someone to come and hold talks with us."
Actor Swastika Mukherjee added, "We know the CBI is investigating the case, but reports suggest there might be attempts to suppress certain details following the doctor's death. We need answers." She continued, "We will remain here till 4 a.m. The administration might think that the movement will lose momentum with the upcoming festive season, but it will resume and grow larger after the Puja. We understand that small business owners might be affected by this movement, but they are with us."
Swastika Mukherjee also expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. "So many days have passed since the August 9 incident. After the initial arrest, we have not received any further updates from the investigating agency. The hospital administration's first attempt to dismiss the death as a suicide, combined with only one arrest, has compelled the people of this state to take to the streets. We have united in our demand for justice."
At the start of the rally, Aparna Sen told reporters, "We are walking on the road together, demanding justice. If needed, I will hit the road again. Common people have the right to demand answers and know the truth." A junior doctors' forum, which has been protesting since the R.G. Kar incident, also joined the rally.
Meanwhile, in South Kolkata, alumni of Ramakrishna Mission schools and other educational institutions marched from Golpark to Rabindra Sadan Exide Crossing, carrying banners with the message "Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya" (Lead me from darkness to light), demanding a fair and impartial investigation and the arrest of all those involved in the crime.
Another rally saw around 300 alumni, current students, and guardians from St. John's Diocesan Girls' Higher Secondary School walking from Minto Park to the school compound before forming a human chain near Exide Crossing along A.J.C. Bose Road. They also displayed a symbolic image of a spine with the slogan "Our spines are not up for sale" during the rally.
In addition, women members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) staged protests at various locations, advocating for amendments to laws to ensure capital punishment for rapists.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also been staging a sit-in at Dorina Crossing in Esplanade since August 29, further highlighting the widespread demand for justice in this case.